I'm sorry it had to come to that -- that you had to censor your own site because of what somebody else said/wrote. I hope I wasn't partially at fault -- for responding to an AC (after all, his (her?) score would have been 0 and most people would have missed it).

At least you took notice -- too bad you had to -- and took the situation in hand.

Side note: to crystalize a few thoughts. As you originally stated, and as I agree with you: "I didn't need any encouragement!" (neither did I, even though I'm *sure* I received it, subtle or otherwise from people I looked up to!) I think this AC's post, combined with those of many of the guys here points out that there are *2* main things to consider: encouragement and positive reenforcement on the one hand, and subtle and/or even passive, if not active, discouragement on the other.

I find it's the little things -- both positive and negative -- that can so affect the direction someone goes. The little nods from people you respect on the one hand, or the almost insignificant slights and remarks on the other hand. A teacher putting me down I can respond to, just to spite them; an environment that makes it uncomfortable for me to work in, is another matter.

Sorry, I'm rambling (as usual!) I guess I should have stuck this in another thread, but it came to me here, and since I'd posted in this one earlier ...

-- Andra

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